* The Events of The Passion Week. Not all activities are listed.
Friday (Six days before Passover meal.)
-Jesus arrives in Bethany, just east of Jerusalem (John 11:54-12:1).
-Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, anoints Jesus' feet at a banquet (John 12:2-11).
Saturday (Sabbath. Started at dusk on Friday.)
-Though it is not recorded, Jesus left Bethany and returned to Ephraim near the Jordan River. (John 11:54-57)
Sunday (Now called Palm Sunday. 1st day of the Passion Week.)
-Jesus heals blind men while approaching Jericho (Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:34-43).
-Jesus eats at Zacchaeus house in Jericho (Luke 19:1-10).
-Jesus continues onto Jerusalem (Mark 10:52; Luke 19:28).
-Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19).
-Jesus's weeps for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44).
-Jesus looked at the Temple at dusk. Then, left to spend the night at Bethany (Mark 11:11).
Monday (10th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk.)
-Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14).
-Jesus cleanses the Temple courts (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17).
-Jesus healed and taught until dusk. Then, left to spend the night at Bethany (Matthew 21:14-17; Mark 11:18-19).
Tuesday (11th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk.)
-Jesus explains the withered fig tree to his disciples (Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-26).
-Jesus's authority questioned (Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8).
-Jesus teaches in the temple (Matthew 21:28-22:46; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:9-21:4; John 12:20-50).
-Jesus wept over Jerusalem's leader's unbelief and rejecting him as their King (Matthew 23:1-39).
-Jesus anointed at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 13:3-9; John 12:2-11).
Wednesday (12th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk.)
-No details about what Jesus did except Luke 21:37-38 which says he taught every day in the Temple.
-The Jews plot to kill Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6).
Thursday (13th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk.)
-The Passover meal begins at dusk, the start of the 14th of the month Abib (see below notes).
-Jesus and the disciples eat Passover meal, now known as the Last Supper. (Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-18).
-Jesus comforts the disciples and prays in the upper room. Then they leave Jerusalem (John 14:1-16:33).
-Jesus prays at Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46).
Friday (14th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk. Now known as Good Friday.)
-According Hebrew time Jesus is arrested and tried during the night to daylight. (Matthew 26:47-27:26; Mark 14:43-15:15; Luke 22:47-23:25; John 18:2-19:16)
-The Jewish leaders turn Jesus over to Pilate at dawn. Pilate questions Jesus then sends him to Herod, who sends Jesus back to Pilate (Matthew 27:11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:15).
-Jesus's crucifixion starts at 3:00pm. He dies just before sunset. (Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30)
-Jesus is quickly buried at dusk just before Hebrew day end. (Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42)
Saturday (Sabbath. 15th day of the Hebrew month Abib ends at dusk. The seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread begins).
-Jesus' body is in the tomb. He appears in Sheol and accompanies the saints previously dead to heaven.
Sunday (Abib 16; day of First Fruits Sheaf Wave) See Resurrection chart below.
-Jesus's morning resurrection and appearing to the women. (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18)
-Jesus appeared to the two on the road. (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35)
-Jesus appeared to ten apostles (no Thomas or Judas) in the evening. (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25)
Saturday (Sabbath)
-Jesus appears to Thomas and the rest of the apostles. (John 20:26-31)
A week later
-Jesus talks and eats with seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-25)
Forty days since his resurrection.
-Jesus ascends to his Father in heaven from the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 28:15-20; Mark 18:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11)
* Hebrew days start at sunset/twilight and goes thru the night till the next day's sunset.
* Passover always starts at twilight on the 14th day of the month (Leviticus 23:5), not the same day of the week every year. Therefore, Passover starting on Thursday is rare. Passover usually starts on another day of the week. Passover starting on a Thursday the year Jesus was crucified. This timing made it possible for Jesus to fulfill the feasts associated with the Passover.
1st) Jesus was crucified on Friday (still Passover) and died before sunset that same day.
2nd) Jesus was in the tomb during the Sabbath (Saturday) rest. The Sabbath that Jesus was buried was also the beginning of the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15-20, 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:16). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is always on the first Sabbath after Passover.
3rd) Jesus rose on Sunday, the third day since his death. That Sunday was also the day of the First Fruit Sheaf Wave (Leviticus 23:9-15; Exodus 23:16, 19, 34:22). The first fruit (barley harvest) of the land was waved before the Lord. Jesus' resurrected as the first fruit (Acts 26:23; 1 Corinthians 15:4, 20, 23).
All three feasts were thus fulfilled by Jesus and this could have only happened that particular year, the year Passover started Thursday night.
* The Hebrew calendar considered an event lasting for an entire day even though it was only a few hours or even minutes long. Therefore, Jesus died and was buried at the end of the Hebrew day (twilight) on Friday and he is considered to have been buried that day too. The same can be stated for Sunday, the day he rose from the dead. Even though he was in the grave for a few moments after dawn before he rose, he is considered to be in grave Sunday and rise from it on Sunday.
I. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives (22:39-46)
* The woodcut showing various scenes of Jesus on the Mount of Olives is by The Elder Urs Graf (Swiss, 1485-1529). The title is "The Agony in the Gardens and Christ's Arrest" depicting Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is plate ten from "Passio domini nostri Jesu Christi". The original was black and white. It is now in public domain.
Jesus is praying on his knees by a rock in the lower left. To the right is the man whose ear Peter cutoff. A lantern is on the ground by his right hand. He is looking back at either Judas who is greeting Jesus with a kiss or it is Jesus who is holding back one of the disciples (Peter?). Behind them is a mob of soldiers. To the left of the soldiers is Jesus waking the three disciples. At their feet is a sword. Top center is the young man whose red garment is being held by a solder as the young man is running away.
>1. Where did Jesus go?
* Luke 22:39-40 "Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
* Jesus's prayer on Gethsemane is also recorded in Matthew 26:36-46 and Mark 14:32-42. John 18:1-2 says Jesus went there, but does not why he went there. John does not record any of what Matthew, Mark, and Luke does until Judas arrived with the soldiers.
* Luke 21:37-38 "Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple."
* Matthew specifies Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36). John says it was a garden (John 18:1). The garden, called Gethsemane is now believed to have been located on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. The area is still a garden.
* "the Mount of Olives" -From the temple they would go down into the Kindred Valley and then back up to the top of the Mount of Olives. It was full moon. The small river would have blood in it from the lambs that were slaughtered for Passover on the Temple plateau.
* "his disciples followed him" -Jesus lead the way.
>Why? (41)
* Luke 22:41 "He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,"
* "He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them" -Private time with God, his Father. The disciples might be able to see him if the view not blocked, and hear him if they were awake.
* "knelt down" -A position of respect to authority.
* "prayed" -The original Greek verb is "proseuchomai" (a transliteration) from the root preposition "pros" meaning "with" and "to", and the verb "euchomai" meaning "pray (to God)" and to "wish".
* Jesus often prayed in solitude. He also prayed publicly.
>What do the words "as usual" suggest about Jesus' prayer life?
* "as usual" -Not only was going to the Mount of Olive his habit when in Jerusalem, but praying was a common practice. Personal time with God is important.
>2. What did he tell his disciples to do?
* Luke 22:40 "On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
* "On reaching the place" -The place is the olive garden on top of the mountain.
* "Pray" -He commanded them to pray. He did not want them to sin. He knew that Satan wanted to tempt them. He helped them all he could. He warned them. He gave them practical examples. Yet, he would not force them to obey. Nor would he take the temptation away. Nor would he stop Satan from tempting them. He even knew they would all fall way and even told them that. To stand or fall was up to them.
* "that you will not fall into temptation." -"Fall" in the original Greek is the verb "eiserchomai" (a transliteration) meaning "enter". "Temptation" in the original Greek is the noun (masculine) "peirasmos" (a transliteration) from the root "peirazo", a verb meaning "test/proff by experience", "experience evil", and "discipline" or "provocation". The implication is by adversity (a state of hardship or affliction), the meaning of the word "Satan", the leader of the fallen angels.
* Jesus was warning his disciples and at the same time giving them instruction and a command so they would not fall (fail).
>What kind of temptation do you think they would soon face?
* Luke 22:50 "And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear."
* John 18:11 "Jesus commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'"
* Matthew 26:56 "'But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.' Then all the disciples deserted him and fled."
* Mark 14:50-52 "Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind."
* The temptation was run away when he was arrested, something they all vowed they would never do.
* Before the Trial Begins.
The Greek word for temptation is "peirasmos," meaning to be "put to the test" and "to prove". Temptation in the Bible is someone facing a decision to go against God and his will or to obey God's will and trust in his love. When tempted, I am on trial. A person's faith and patience can be put to the test. The disciples were going to be put to the test in around an hour. On trial was their faith in Jesus.
Jesus often prayed. When in Jerusalem, he prayed on the Mount of Olives, a quiet place less than a mile from the city. Jesus's disciples followed him. Their hearts would have been downcast from all that Jesus had told them. Their bodies would have been exhausted from a week full of activities. They would not get a weekend's rest.
Jesus told them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Here lies a secret. Temptation comes to all. Temptation, if not today, will come soon. Someone once said, "Two things in life are sure: death and taxes." This, too, is sure: temptations will come.
Yet, here Jesus tells me that when I talk to God in a quiet, lonely place, I can pray to be relieved of temptation. Jesus elsewhere told his disciples to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
However, I consider this too. Temptation is not easy. Yet, it can be profitable. Overcoming temptation is the soul's exercise. As the body needs exercise, so the soul is exercised through temptation. Resisting the test to sin makes the soul better. Many temptations are hard to resist. The natural body is addicted to one form of devolution or another. Overcoming a soulful addiction can be harder than overcoming a physical addiction. However, if I pray as Jesus instructs, God can help me to not fall when tempted.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 22:39-40.
>3. What was Jesus' initial prayer request?
* Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
* "Father" -"Pater" in the original Greek while "Abba" is Aramaic. The New Testament including all four gospels were written in Greek, the common written language of Jesus' day. Most today believe that "Abba" is Hebrew. Hebrew for father is "Av" or "Ab" (these are all transliteration). Modern Jews when speaking Hebrew use the "abba". Jesus and the disciples as did all at the time spoke Aramaic. "Abba" is a term of endearment equivalent to "daddy" and "papa". More is below.
* "if you are willing" -Jesus was respectfully asking God to change his will.
* "take this cup from me" -See below.
* "yet not my will" -Jesus will at this time was different than his Father's will. However, Jesus would reject his will and obey the Father's will for him.
* "but yours be done" -Saying, "Enact that which you will.
* Sleepless Prayer.
Jesus instructed his disciples to pray so they would not fall into temptation. Then Jesus prayed with a similar concept. Jesus referred to his soon-to-happen suffering as a cup to be drunk, meaning the lot that was assigned to him by his Father in heaven. Jesus was assigned to drink the cup of judgment and punishment for the sins of the world. Psalm 102 has been linked with Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.
If I knew that what Jesus experienced was about to happen to me, I too would be in great anguish of soul. If I knew it was God's will for me, would I respond like Jesus? Would I say, "Not my will, but yours be done?"
Jesus told his disciples that they were required to carry a cross too (Luke 14:27). I do not know the specifics of the cross that still awaits me. But I do know of what has transpired already. I am to know now that I too have suffering to bear for Christ and the church so that I am prepared for tomorrow's cross.
Hebrews 12:2-6 states, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Listen to the above comments on Luke 22:41-46.
>What did he mean by "the cup"?
* Luke 22:20 "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
* 1 Corinthians 10:16 "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?"
* 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
* Revelation 14:10 "he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb."
* The cup he was referring to was the wrath of God that I should have received because of my sin. Jesus willfully submitted himself to the wrath of God in place of me. He is my substitute sacrifice.
>What does this tell us about the inner struggle he was going through?
* Someone recently asked me, "What do you think about a statement I read, 'Once there is a conflict of will, what you want in life, and what God wants for you, life becomes a struggle."
This statement has some truth, yet it is misleading. Consider the meanings of "conflict of will." and "life becomes a struggle". Do you believe that you are in conflict with God's will for you? What do you want? How does one know what God specifically wants for them?
Jesus said just before his arrest and after he told them that they would scatter, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) So outward trouble and struggles are a part of everyone's life, whether resisting God are not. However, the inward life - peace of mind and heart, contentment, happiness, and satisfaction is outstanding if we stay in Christ and thus his will.
For example, looking at Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, he prayed just before he was arrested. He was in turmoil as he prayed. He was struggling to accept his Father's will, the cross. He was in so much turmoil that his sweat was like drops of blood. (22:44) Yet, he eventually prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done." (22:42) From then on, his external circumstances were one new hardship after another. Yet, inside, he had amazing peace, stability, and control. When the guards came to arrest him, He said, "I am he" and they drew back and fell to the ground at his word (John 18:5-6). He truly had inner peace and power.
God has a purpose for you and me, for sure. Prayer and meditation is very important in determining his will and messages. But be sure outwardly, "You will have trouble in this world" whether you are in conflict with that will or are in full submission. Yet, in communion with God inwardly exists peace.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 22:39-46.
* 16th-century Italian cycle in fresco by Gaudenzio Ferrari with 21 scenes from Annunciation to Resurrection: Top row: Annunciation, Nativity, Visit of the Three Magi, Flight to Egypt, Baptism of Christ, Raising of Lazarus, Entry to Jerusalem, Last Supper. Middle row: Washing of feet, Agony in the Garden, Arrest of Christ, Trial before the Sanhedrin, Trial before Pilate, Flagellation. Bottom row: Ecce homo, Carrying the cross, Christ falls, Crucifixion, Deposition from the cross, Harrowing of Hell, Resurrection.
>4. How did Jesus call God?
* Mark 14:36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
* Mark adds the Hebrew word "Abba", an Aramaic word for "father" used by Jesus to speak of His own intimate relationship with God, a relationship that others can enter through faith in Jesus. Abba does not appear in the Old Testament. However, its Hebrew associate "Ab" occurs frequently. "Ab" usually refers to a human father. Jesus is not recorded to use "Ab" by the gospel writers.
* "Father" -See above comments in question 3 on "Father" before reading this. The original Greek noun here is "pater" only meaning the male parent, a direct ancestor, and title of respect. There is no other meaning. This is a primary word, meaning not derived from another word. Believers in Jesus are called God's sons (John 1:12; Romans 8:16; Matthew 6:4, 8, 15, 18, 10:20, 29) They call call Father (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:4)
* Luke 10:21-22 "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
* Jesus calling God "Father" was considered heresy and worthy of the death sentence by the religious leaders of his day because it was equating himself with God. (Matthew 26:63-66; Mark 15:61-64; Luke 22:66-71)
>What does this show about his relationship with God?
* The idea of God's intimate relationship to humanity is a distinct feature of Jesus' teaching. God relates to believers as a father relates to his child. Some would translate Abba as "Daddy" to convey the close, personal meaning of the world. Even when "Father" in the New Testament translates the more formal Greek word pater, the idea of abba is certainly in the background. Jesus addressed God as Abba in prayer (Mark 14:36) and taught His disciples to pray in the same terms (Luke 11:1-2). Jesus' claim of intimate relationship with God offended many of His opponents because they considered Abba to be overly familiar in addressing God. But Jesus' usage established the pattern for the church's view of God and each believer's relationship with Him. Paul used Abba to describe God's adoption of believers as His children (Rom. 8:15) and the change in the believer's status with God that results (Gal. 4:6-7). (Michael Fink, Holman Bible Dictionary)
>What was God's will for him? (18:31-33)
* Luke 18:31-33 "Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again."
>What was the nature of his spiritual struggle in his prayer?
* To do God's will for him. See more notes in question 3 above.
>5. Describe how Jesus prayed. (43-44?
* Luke 22:43-44 "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
* "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him" -Matthew and Mark tell of angels ministering to Jesus at the close of his fasting and temptations (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). Luke does not. Here only Luke tells of the strengthening presence of an angel. (NIV Study Bible)
* "And being in anguish" -"Agonia" (a transliteration) of the noun (feminine) meaning literally "agony". The root of this word is "agon" meaning a "fight", "conflict", "fight", and "race".
* "he prayed more earnestly" -"Ektenesteron" (a transliteration of the Greek), a adjective. It is from the root "ektenes" meaning "intently without ceasing and fervently".
* "his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." -Probably perspiration in large drops like blood, or possibly hematidross, the actual mingling of blood and sweat as it cases of extreme anguish, strain or sensitivity (NIV Study Bible). Under such emotions the blood vessels in the head erupt. Hematidrosis, also known as hematohidrosis, is a rare condition where a person sweats blood or blood-tinged sweat from the skin, even when there are no cuts or injuries. It's characterized by the appearance of blood droplets on the skin, often on the face or forehead.
>What can you learn from him about prayer?
* Earnest.
* Not cease until I am aligned with Jesus' will for my life.
>6. What were the disciples doing while Jesus prayed?
* Luke 22:45 "When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow."
* "When he rose from prayer"
* "went back to the disciples"
* "he found them asleep"
>Why?
* "exhausted from sorrow." -Jesus has revealed so much that would cause great sorrow.
>Why was it so important for them to pray instead of sleeping at this time?
* Luke 22:46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
* "Why are you sleeping?"
* "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
* They were about to experience great trouble and trial.
>What can we learn here about the necessity of prayer?
* Jesus gives several examples in the gospels of his prayers. Direct, simple, and honest. Here can be learned to pray though physically exhausted especially when I am and/or will experience great trial.
II. Jesus Arrested (22:47-53)
* The rear of Duccio's Maestą work of art. The middle section has the Passion sequence, beginning with the entry to Jerusalem (bottom left) and ending with Noli me tangere, top right, 2nd row; sequence. Below are the Works, above the post-Resurrection scenes. The birth and childhood scenes are on the front, as part of a Life of the Virgin.
>7. What decision had Jesus made in prayer?
* Will.
After prayer, Jesus committed his will to do God's will for him. After receiving thirty silver coins, Judas committed his will to betray his rabbi and friend for nearly three years (47-48; Matthew 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-45; John 18:2-3). After sleeping, Jesus' disciples committed their will to stop Jesus from saving the world but only managed to cut someone's ear off (49-51). After conspiring together, the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders committed their will to arrest their Lord in the dark and kill the maker of their soul (52-53).
What compels my will? Does my prayer bend my will into my Father's will? Or does covetousness bend my will to the world's will?
"Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor" (Proverbs 18:12). "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD" (Proverbs 19:3). "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart" (Proverbs 21:2). "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out" (Proverbs 20:5).
Listen to the above comments on Luke 22:47-53.
>How did Judas betray Jesus?
* Luke 22:47 "While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,"
*
*
>How did Jesus' greeting to Judas make him aware of Jesus' identity?
* Luke 22:48 "but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?""
*
*
>How did it convict him of the guilt of what he was doing?
*
*
>9. How were Jesus' actions and attitude different from that of his disciples?
* Luke 22:49-53 "When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"
50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?
53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour--when darkness reigns."
*
*
*
>Why did Jesus describe this hour as the hour "when darkness reigns"?
* "when darkness reigns"
*
*
III. Peter Disowns Jesus (22:54-62)
* The Passion shown in a number of small scenes, c. 1490, from the Entry into Jerusalem through the Golden Gate (lower left) to the Ascension (center top).
>10. What did Peter do after Jesus was arrested? (54-55?
* Luke 22:54-55 "Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them."
* Peter disowning Jesus is in all four gospels (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; John 18:15-18, 25-27)
* "Then seizing him"
* "they led him away"
* "took him into the house of the high priest"
* "Peter followed at a distance" -John was with him recorded by John, but as usual in John's gospel he does not say it was him, only that it was "another disciple". (John 18:15-16)
* "Peter sat down with them."
>What does this suggest about Peter's attitude and spiritual condition?
* Willing but not prepared.
>11. Who recognized Peter first?
* Luke 22:56 "A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."
* "A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight." -The servant girl was from the house Peter was in the courtyard of.
* "She looked closely at him" -She probably saw Peter when Jesus was teaching.
>Why do you think Peter denied knowing Jesus?
* Luke 22:57 "But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said."
* "But he denied it."
* One Confesses, One Denies.
Jesus's trials, conducted by the Jewish leadership, are contrasted with Peter's denying Jesus three times in all four Gospel accounts (54-62; Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; John 18:12-27). This is clear because they bounce back and forth between the two with dizzying speed. The whole incident, from Jesus's arrest to the Jewish leader's verdict and Peter's first, second, and third denials of knowing Jesus, lasted perhaps an hour, certainly no more than two. Yet, in this small amount of time, five of Jesus's predictions would be made sure: his arrest, rejection, persecution, condemnation, and Peter's shame.
Comparing myself to Jesus and Peter, I can say I want to be like Jesus, who, though so poorly treated, withstood the test. Yet, in reality, I am more like Peter, who was only threatened with association with someone arrested and being tried. Jesus overcame fear because he was prepared with knowledge of the Bible and deep personal prayer. Peter remained afraid because although Jesus taught him the Bible very personally, he could not find the courage to accept it nor the will to pray when Jesus told him it was time to pray, watch, and be prepared.
Peter was so sure of his ability that he did not depend on God. Jesus accepted his lack of ability so much so that he could do nothing more than depend fully on God his Father. When Jesus asked was his identity, he did not fail to tell them the truth, though it meant beating, humiliation, scourging, crucifixion, and death.
As Peter later wrote, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:6-9)
Listen to the above comments on Luke 22:54-62.
* "The Denial of St. Peter" (1620-1625). Gerard Seghers. Oil on canvas. Seghers depicted Peter standing next to the maid and a soldier to the far left. Gesturing to himself with his right hand, Peter appears to respond to his interrogators by stating "I am not." the artist inserted a handful of soldiers who play cards around a table. Although shadows cast by the candlelight mute some of the details, these players wear surprisingly colorful and stylish clothing, and all sport feathered caps. As might be expected, the players have interrupted their game to acknowledge the nearby confrontation between Peter and the maid.
>How did Peter deny Jesus the second and third time? (58-60?
* Luke 22:58-60 "A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed."
* "A little later someone else saw him" -Peter being one the of the leaders and having a personality of taking charge had more of a presence throughout the week than the other disciples. He was also probably a big and strong man because he pulled a net of fish out of the water all by himself (John 21:11).
* "for he is a Galilean." -They noticed his Galilean and fisherman dialect (Matthew 26:73). He as did all the people at this time, including Jesus spoke Aramaic.
* "rooster crows" -One or two commentaries stated that roosters were not in Jerusalem at this time namely because Moses did not include chickens, hens, or roosters in the dietary laws and only doves or pigeons were acceptable offerings (Leviticus 1:14-17, 5:7, 11:13-20, 14:4-7). The only reference to a rooster is Solomon's Proverb 30:31, "... a strutting rooster...". Commentaries do note that the rooster crow was the name of the changing of the Roman guards because they would sound a trumpet. Roosters are male and have internal circadian clock that studies shows cause them to rottenly crow at dawn, though they do crow at other times too.
The crowing of the cock (rooster) is probably the most well-known bird sound in the Bible. All of the New Testament references to the cock (except the mention of "cockcrow" in Mark 13:35) relate to Peter's denial of Christ. Jesus warned Peter that before the cock crowed twice (some early manuscripts to not have twice in Mark's account, the only one to say the amount), Peter would deny Him three times (34; Matthew 26:34; Mark 14:30; John 13:38). Roosters first crowed about midnight and a second time around three o'clock in the morning. Their crowing occurred so punctually that the Romans relied on this bird sound to signal the time to change the guard. (Holman Bible Dictionary)
* The second and third denials were almost back to back. Peter was trying to not be exposed, but at the same time he did not want to abandon Jesus as he did at first (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). He simply did not know what to do. He was in confusion, lacking direction because he did not really believe Jesus when he told all his disciples this would happen. He had a plan based on his own decision which proved worthless.
Listen to comments on Luke 22:58-60.
>12. How did Peter come back to his senses?
* Luke 22:61 "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
* "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter." -The eyes exchange between Peter and Jesus was upon Peter's third denial. It is only recorded by Luke. Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest according to verse 55, Matthew 26:69, and Mark 14:54. Mark 14:66 records that Peter was "below in the courtyard". So, the soldiers brought Jesus into the high priest's residence, most likely on the roof of the house for roof's in Jerusalem at that time were flat, unless the high priest had a second floor to his residence. Jesus was moved about that night. He was also taken to Pilate and Herod at daybreak (John 22:66, 23:1, 7). Since Peter's denials were all before Jesus was brought to Pilate and Herod, his third denial was probably when Jesus was on the high priest's roof looking down at Peter in the courtyard, or Jesus was being lead out of the high priests house when he looked at Jesus. Matthew, Mark and John do not record Jesus looking at Peter. Matthew does record that after the third denial Peter, "went outside and wept bitterly" (Matthew 28:75) By "outside" he meant outside the courtyard.
* John 18:13-14 records that the detachment of soldiers and Jewish officials first brought him to Annas' house who was the high priest according to the law of Moses, but deposed by the Romans who put his daughter's husband, Caiaphas in the role of high priest that year. John seems to indicate that this is where Peter's first denial occurred (John 18:15-16). First Peter was by the doorway, then John secured permission for Peter to be brought Peter in (John 18:16). Luke states Peter was "in the middle of the courtyard" (Luke 22:55), but moved close to the doorway again after the first denial. Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not distinguish Ananias and Caiaphas's house. Matthew does record that after the first denial, Peter "went out to the gateway", perhaps to make a quick get-away if things went from bad to worse.
Luke records that "a little later" (Luke 22:58) Peter denied knowing Jesus a second time. Matthew only states, "after a little while" (Matthew 26:73) Peter denied him a second time. Then, Jesus was taken to the Romans official the high priest, Caiaphas's house (John 18:24). Mark only states he was taken to the high priests house, without mentioning his name (Mark 14:53-54). Peter's third denial quickly followed the second. At daybreak all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together to bring him to Pilate's and Herod's residence. (66; Matthew 26:57, 59, 27:1; Mark 14:53, 55, 15:1; John 18:28) This would have been the official opening of Pilate's office.
* In spring sunrise in Israel is around 6am and sunset is around 7pm making daylight around 13 hours long. The Jewish day however started at sunset the day before and would end at sunset (approx. 7pm) this day, the day of Jesus' crucifixion.
*
*
>What shows Peter's deep remorse and repentance?
* Luke 22:62 "And he went outside and wept bitterly."
>Did Peter ever meet Jesus again?
* Several times. First on the day of his resurrection Jesus appeared to ten disciples (Thomas was not present and Judas had hanged himself) and others who were in the upper room. A second time Jesus appeared was also in the upper room when Thomas was present. Jesus also appeared to some apostles according to John 21 a week later on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. On this occasion Jesus spoke directly and privately to Peter to restore Peter who was obviously struggling because of his denials.
